A child who weighs 55 pounds receives a prescription for cefotaxime 150 mg/kg/day intravenously in divided doses every 6 hours.
How many mg should the nurse administer each day?

Choice A rationale:

Instructing the client to bring all medications, supplements, and herbs currently being taken to the next clinic appointment (Choice A) is the best course of action. This allows the healthcare provider to review the client's entire medication regimen, identify any potential interactions or duplications, and make appropriate adjustments. It promotes medication safety and ensures that the client receives the most effective and safe treatment.

Choice B rationale:

Using a medication reminder system (Choice B) is a helpful suggestion but does not address the issue of potential duplications or interactions between medications. While a reminder system can improve adherence, it does not provide a comprehensive solution to the problem of multiple prescriptions for the same indication.

Choice C rationale:

Making certain a family member knows the name and use of all medications currently being taken (Choice C) is a useful practice for medication safety but may not be sufficient to address the issue of multiple prescriptions. Relying solely on a family member's knowledge may lead to misunderstandings or omissions in the medication regimen.

Choice D rationale:

Do not take any over-the-counter drugs while taking medications prescribed by a healthcare provider (Choice D) is a relevant piece of advice for medication safety. However, it does not directly address the issue of multiple prescriptions for the same indication. It is essential for the client to have a complete and accurate record of all medications, both prescribed and over-the-counter, to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Choice A rationale:

Use a peak flow meter to assess the respiratory status. Assessing the client's respiratory status using a peak flow meter is the most appropriate next action after administering albuterol, a bronchodilator. It helps determine the client's lung function and response to the medication. This information guides further interventions and treatment decisions.

Choice B rationale:

Administer a stat dose of corticosteroids. Administering corticosteroids may be indicated in some cases of respiratory distress or exacerbation of asthma. However, it should not be the immediate next step after albuterol administration. Assessing the client's response to albuterol through lung function testing (peak flow) is essential before deciding on additional medications.

Choice C rationale:

Document the normal finding in the client's health record. Documenting normal findings is important for maintaining accurate medical records, but in this case, it is premature. The nurse should first assess the client's response to albuterol and ensure that the respiratory status is indeed normal before documenting the findings.

Choice D rationale:

Repeat a dose of the client's rescue drug. Administering another dose of the rescue drug (albuterol) without assessing the client's response and lung function would not be the most appropriate action. It is essential to determine whether the initial dose was effective before considering additional doses or alternative treatments.